Viceroys

Thou shalt not usurp dominion as a Ruler.

1. THE King, when he committeth the administration of his Kingdom to another; or when he appointeth another to rule a portion in his name, may make him a Viceroy, and confer upon him Kingly dignity.35 words,156 letters.

2. The Viceroy shall keep the King’s Commandment, and shall not depart from it; he shall not exalt himself against the King: he shall keep none of his doings from the King; and he shall be faithful unto him, and to his house, in all things.45 words,185 letters.

3. The Viceroy shall make no Laws: he shall govern according to the Law of the King, and the Law of God:1 if he deviseth a new Law, yet shall he not proclaim it, but by the King’s Commandment.38 words,144 letters.4. He shall not do that which is forbidden to the King; but he shall exercise prerogative by the King’s commission, in whatsoever part of his dominion he shall appoint him: he shall not despise the King’s Commandment,

[1 D. & C. li, 2. lxxxv, 3. ciii, 29, 30, 32.

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nor do that which he disalloweth; lest he be a usurper, and be removed from his place. 54 words,239 letters. Total—4 sec., 172 words, 724 letters.

1. Under the Prophet Joseph, in the beginning of his ministry, was Oliver Cowdery. (D. & C. ii, 1.) Most of his time he was aided by two such assistants. (id. v, 2. ciii, 39.) But the office has not been steadily kept up, and from one to three persons have held it at the same time. It does not seem necessary to a complete organization, but to relieve the Chief Shepherd from duties which otherwise might be too onerous.2. A Viceroy would be entitled to rule in the absence of the King without a special authority, or in case the King was disabled, provided he was associated with him in the general administration; and he is the only officer who can be sent to take authority over the twelve Apostles.3. In the duties of his office, he is in all things subject to the King’s Commandment. Though the King may give him such discretion as he thinks fit, he cannot dispense with this duty of obedience. To do so would be a severance of the Kingdom.4. This office, like that of the King, is Apostolick, and carries with it the prerogative of administering sacraments, and preaching the gospel in all places. But the Viceroy is expressly forbid to make Laws. This prerogative belongs only to the conjoint Apostolick, Prophetick and Kingly office.5. There were no Viceroys associated with the Kings of Israel and Judah, except occasionally during their minority. But the Prophets who were above them were frequently assisted by such associates. Elisha followed Elijah, and assisted him in the Prophetick office, and succeeded him.